Newburgh boxer Aguilera knocks out Bergman in 1st round

Friday

Nichols — This was supposed to be Nagy Aguilera's toughest fight to date. But it was only painfully difficult for his opponent, Jason Bergman, all 75 seconds of it on Thursday night at Tioga Downs.

Nichols — This was supposed to be Nagy Aguilera's toughest fight to date. But it was only painfully difficult for his opponent, Jason Bergman, all 75 seconds of it on Thursday night at Tioga Downs.

Aguilera demolished Bergman, knocking him down with a vicious left hook the first time he hit, about 45 second in, and finishing him off with a right uppercut at 1:15 of the first round.

Bergman dropped two a knee after the uppercut and it soon became clear he had no interest in standing. The referee reached a 10-count and waved his arms. Aguilera flexed his muscles for the crowd, about 50 of whom who made the three-hour trip from Orange County.

One day after his 22nd birthday, the Newburgh Boxing Club heavyweight was looking like a mature professional.

The fight wasn't his toughest to date. Just his best.

"Yup," trainer Ray Rivera agreed. He knew Aguilera was in top shape by the sting of his hands while warming up the boxer with the mitts beforehand. "He's so strong."

Aguilera (8-0, six KO's) appears to be improving with every right. Rivera talked about Aguilera's extreme focus leading into the fight.

Aguilera's proud smile told the story. He was even a bit surprised with the ease in which he annihilated Bergman (7-6-1), a southpaw with modest skills, but a good chin and decent ring experience.

The win will most certainly gain the attention of outsiders. Aguilera might be in line for an ESPN fight. Manager John Silverman is trying to get Aguilera on the July card in New York promoted by Cedric Kushner.

"I think Orange County has the next great fighter," said Silverman, good friends with Greenwood Lake's Lou Savarese, Aguilera's advisor and a former heavyweight contender. "Nagy's got it all."

"Real impressive," Savarese added. "There are two ways to knock a guy out — hit him hard and use your quickness. He can do both."

kgleason@th-record.com

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